SAVANNAH (AP) — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has begun a probe of spending practices in the Chatham County Coroner’s Office.

The GBI investigation comes after auditors for Chatham County questioned more than $200,000 in expenses filed by the Savannah area’s longtime coroner, Dr. James C. Metts Jr., who resigned earlier this month, just weeks after winning re-election.

GBI Special Agent in Charge Cathy Sapp tells the Savannah Morning News that the agency began its investigation Dec. 28. Sapp says the probe was launched after the GBI received a request from Chief Superior Court Judge Michael Karpf to look into the matter.

Sapp says the investigation involves interviews and gathering information that will be presented to the Chatham County District Attorney. She said she doesn’t know how long the investigation will take.

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